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Bob Dylan was apparently sceptical about meeting Barack Obama after performing for the President.

More so than any other Stateside politician in a decade, Barack Obama has been surrounded by music. The President's inauguration contained some spectacular performances, ranging from gospel to soul and pop.

Organising a special concert at the White House to honour the Civil Rights Movement, amongst the artists invited was one Bob Dylan. But while other musicians took part in a meet and greet the legendary songwriter remained in the shadows.

"He wouldn't come to the rehearsal; usually, all these guys are practising before the set in the evening" he explained to Rolling Stone.

"He didn't want to take a picture with me; usually all the talent is dying to take a picture with me and Michelle (Obama, First Lady) before the show, but he didn't show up to that."

Continuing, the President explained that Bob Dylan played a beautiful set but then left with little interaction. "He came in and played 'The Times They Are A-Changin'. A beautiful rendition. The guy is so steeped in this stuff that he can just come up with some new arrangement, and the song sounds completely different."

"Finishes the song, steps off the stage – I'm sitting right in the front row – comes up, shakes my hand, sort of tips his head, gives me just a little grin and then leaves. And that was it – then he left. That was our only interaction with him."

However Barack Obama was surprised to find that he appreciated Bob Dylan's conduct. "I thought, 'That's how you want Bob Dylan, right?' You don't want him to be all cheesin' and grinnin' with you. You want him to be a little sceptical about the whole enterprise."

Meanwhile, President Obama also revealed the content of his iPod. Alongside classic soul from Stevie Wonder the politician has been conducting meetings to the sound of Lil Wayne and The Rolling Stones.